Refinement Cubed

 

Ratings

 

 

Pros

 

• Warm, physical, powerful and refined sound.
• More open, decongested, separated mids.
• More precise, defined, refined and extended highs.
• Very powerful device for the price. Four gain levels.
• Improved design and appearance.
• Balanced inputs and outputs.
• 5 sound modes (Xbass+, Xspace, Movie, Game) and xMEMS.

 

Cons

 

• Perhaps a -6dB gain mode would have been more appropriate than a 16dB gain mode, which saturates very quickly.
• The volume potentiometer slides with very little resistance.
• It gets a little warm.

 

Purchase Link

 

https://ifi-audio.com/products/zen-can-3

 

Link to the WEB

 

https://ifi-audio.com/

 

Introduction

 

A few months ago, ifi launched the third version of its entry-level desktop headphone amplifier, the ZEN CAN. The ifi ZEN CAN 3 retains the shape of its predecessors with its oval casing and almost tapered ends, but it is still quite small for the amount of power it is capable of delivering. It now has an improved aesthetic, with a touch of gold added to its controls, enhancing the simplicity of the first version, as well as increasing the power to 2000mW through the same Class A circuit found in the flagship iCAN Phantom model. A multi-track potentiometer from Tokyo Cosmos Electric Co. (TOCOS) is used as the volume control. It has a narrow channel matching tolerance for optimal performance (it is always recommended to use it above 11 o’clock). The “discrete Class A” amplifier assembly is a circuit that comes directly from iFi’s flagship headphone amplifier, the iCAN Phantom, which at £3,749 is 16 times the price of the ZEN CAN 3. They are manufactured using premium components from Panasonic, TDK, Texas Instruments and muRata. The integrated circuits incorporated in the ZEN CA 3 are low-noise Texas Instruments components. They offer a wide unity gain bandwidth, very low noise and distortion, high output drive capability, power supply and common mode rejection ratios of over 100 dB, wide maximum output swing bandwidths and high slew rates. As usual, ifi uses TDK C0G (class 1 ceramic) capacitors because they offer high stability and low losses for resonant circuit applications. Increasingly approaching the theoretical ideal of pure constant frequency capacitance, these capacitors reduce capacitor-induced distortion to extremely low levels. They are expensive but are a perfect complement to ifi products. The ZEN CAN 3 uses pure analogue circuits, preserving sound integrity with minimal distortion and natural frequency adjustments. The XBass+ option enhances bass impact and maintains midrange clarity, ideal for IEMs and open headphones. The XSpace option widens the soundstage and provides a speaker-like surrounding audio experience.
The ZEN CAN 3 follows the recent design refresh found in other products in the iFi ZEN 3 series. Its modern two-tone design stands out among hi-fi ‘black boxes’, while the revised volume meter and Sunlit Bronze hardware give it a premium look and feel. The front panel buttons are arranged in a smile-like formation that injects character into the ZEN CAN 3. Finally, the iFi ZEN CAN 3 supports IEMs that use xMEMS, an innovative speaker technology that pushes the limits of headphone performance.
Let’s take a look at everything this great headphone amplifier has to offer in the following review.

 

 

Specifications

 

• Analogue SE RCA L/R inputs: 2.0V nominal at 0 dBFS, 1 megaΩ Zin.
• Analogue SE 3.5mm inputs: 1.0V nominal at 0 dBFS, 1 megaΩ Zin.
• Analogue BAL 4.4mm inputs: 4.0V nominal at 0 dBFS, 24 kΩ Zin.
• Dimensions: 158 x 117 x 35 mm (6.2 x 4.6 x 1.4 inches).
• DNR Line section: ≥119 dB(A).
• DNR BAL 4.4 mm headphone section: ≥119 dB(A) at 0 dBFS.
• DNR SE 6.35mm headphone section: ≥119 dB(A) at 0 dBFS.
• Frequency response: 10 Hz-200 kHz (-3 dB).
• Gain: 0 dB, 6 dB, 12 dB, 18 dB.
• Max Headphone Output BAL 4.4mm headphone section: >15.1V/385mW (at 600Ω), >6.2V/1200mW (at 32Ω).
• Max Headphone Output SE 6.35mm Headphone Section: >7.6V/98mW (at 600Ω), >7.2V/1600mW (at 32Ω).
• RMS BAL 4.4mm Headphone Output: >11.5V/2000mW (at 64Ω).
• SE 6.35mm RMS Headphone Output: >7.2V/1600 mW (at 32Ω).
• DC Input Voltage: 5 V/2.5 A, AC 100-240V, 50/60 Hz.
• SERCA Maximum Input Level: 3.8V RMS.
• Maximum Input Level SE 3.5mm: 1.92V RMS.
• Maximum Input Level BAL 4.4mm: 7.4V RMS.
• Net Weight: 495g (1.09 lbs).
• Output Impedance Line Section: <200Ω.
• Output impedance BAL 4.4 mm HP headphone section: < 2Ω.
• Output impedance SE 6.35 mm HP headphone section: < 1Ω.
• Power consumption: No signal: ~5W.
• Power consumption: Maximum signal: ~13W.
• SNR Line section: ≥125dB (7.3V at 4.4mm input, 0dB at 200 kΩ).
• SNR Headphone section: BAL 4.4mm: ≥125 dB (7.3V input 4.4mm 0 dB at 600Ω).
• SNR Headphone Section: SE 6.35mm: ≥122 dB (1.9V input 0 dB at 600Ω).
• THD+N Line Section: 0.006% (0 dB load and 200 kΩ).
• THD+N Headphone section: BAL 4.4mm: <0.006% (@ 360mW/2.4V 16Ω).
• THD+N Headphone section: SE 6.35mm: <0.006% (@ 100mW/1.27V 16Ω).

 

 

Packaging

 

The ifi ZEN CAN 3 comes in a relatively elongated white box measuring 277x156x58mm. On the front, the brand logo is in the upper left corner, while the model name is in the lower right corner. Below is the product description. On the right side is a real photo of the product, and in the upper right corner is the Hi-Res Audio logo. On the back, there is a comprehensive description of all the product’s features, as well as detailed specifications, connectivity, a description of the contents, and many logos of the certifications it complies with. On one side are the icons for the amplifier’s special modes, while on the other side is a real photo of the back of the product. All the text is grey and it is not specified that the model is version 3 on the front, only in the text on the back. Once the outer cardboard is removed, a completely white box is revealed. The ZEN CAN 3 comes in a white mould that protects it and is wrapped in a white bag. Next to it is another white cardboard box containing the power supply, a 3.5mm to 6.3mm SE adapter and two male RCA cables. The complete contents are as follows:

 

• The ifi ZEN CAN 3.
• A power supply.
• A 3.5mm to 6.3mm SE adapter.
• Two male RCA cables.
• A large quick start guide card.
• An MQA Setup card.
• An ifi sticker.
• Instruction manual.

 

The contents include the bare minimum for use. However, since the ZEN CAN 3 has balanced inputs and outputs, you could also add one of these cables: 4.4 mm male-to-male BAL or 2.5 mm to 4.4 mm BAL adapter. I know that ifi sells this 4.4 mm to 4.4 mm cable as an extra accessory for $69.

 

 

Construction and Design

 

The dimensions of the ifi ZEN CAN 3 are 158x117x35mm, with a weight of 495g. The exterior is a sharp oval shape on the side edges, made of a metal sheet approximately 2mm thick. On the front panel are the controls (from left to right): power, input selector, gain selector, volume, SE 6.3mm headphone output, BAL 4.4mm headphone output, and mode selection button. All these buttons are aligned in a smile shape and surrounded by a gold metal plate. The bottom retains the metal plate from previous models and features white text and numbers, as well as the Hi-Res logo. Above, the surface changes to a leather-like texture in a blue-grey tone. The top features the brand logo in light grey letters. The connections are located on the back. From left to right, you can see the brand logo, the 4.4mm BAL input, the 3.5mm SE input, the RCA inputs, the 4.4mm BAL output, a sticker with a QR code, the power input and the model. All text and numbers are white. The numbering of the inputs matches the numbering on the front input selector. The RCA inputs are protected by white plastic caps. The rear panel plate is metal and is held in place by four Torx screws and one Allen screw. At the bottom, there are four small black rubber feet.
It’s true that the design is not very different from the first version, but the golden details and the change in surface between the two halves of the front plate have made it more attractive than version 1. On the other hand, the construction is solid and very compact in size.

 

 

Connectivity

 

The ifi ZEN CAN 3 has 4.4 mm BAL, 3.5 mm SE, and SE RCA analogue inputs.
It also has a 4.4 mm BAL analogue output.
The headphone outputs are 4.4 mm BAL and 6.3 mm SE.
The power input is a 5 V DC plug.

 

 

Operativity

 

The ifi ZEN CAN 3 has an on/off button on the far left of the front panel. Next to it is the input selector (1 for RCA, 2 for SE 3.5mm, 3 for BAL 4.4mm). The next button, which is larger than the previous ones, is the gain control, which has 4 levels (0dB, 6dB, 12dB, 18dB). In the middle is the volume control (ifi recommends always using it above 11 o’clock). Next to it is the 6.3mm SE output, then the 4.4mm BAL output, and finally the mode button. Pressing this button each time switches to Xbass+ mode, then to XSpace, then to the combination of Xbass+ and XSpace. Then to Game mode, then to Movie mode, and with a long press to the special mode for xMEMS headphones.
Everything is quite simple, practical and intuitive. The combination of Xbass+ and XSpace modes is quite interesting. So is using Game and Movie modes to cover all possible scenarios for an interesting and very powerful desktop amplifier.
It should be noted that the buttons are very pleasant to the touch and have a very precise sensitivity, clicking at the optimum point and working accurately and appropriately. However, the volume control moves more lightly and easily than the version 1 I have. To be honest, I prefer the volume control to be harder, but still smooth.
Now that it’s almost summer in my country, when my room reaches 28ºC and air conditioning becomes almost essential due to high humidity levels, the ifi ZEN CAN 3 feels warm in its casing, even at low volume and 0dB gain.
As a DAC, I used the Aune X8 XVIII Magic DAC + OpAmp Sparkos Labs SS3602 using the Aune’s variable balanced output. As the ZEN CAN 3 is very powerful for most IEMS, I think that to keep the potentiometer above the 11 o’clock position for best performance, it would have been convenient to add a -6dB gain point for these cases. But by using the volume of the Aune’s balanced variable output, I am able to reduce the input signal and extend the range of the ZEN CAN 3’s potentiometer for these sensitive headphones.

 

 

Measures

 

Due to limitations of my oscilloscope, I have only been able to take measurements by SE.
The output voltage of the ZEN CAN 3 depends on the input. I have used the RCA line output of the Tempotec MARCH V, the RCA line output of the Aune X8 XVIII Magic DAC + OpAmp Sparkos Labs SS3602, and also its balanced line output. The three outputs offer different voltages, which means they also have different output values. The higher the input value, the sooner the output will saturate. This means that not as many gain values are necessary. It would have been much better to start at -6dB and end at 12dB, with a gain of 18dB well before reaching maximum volume via SE.
The output impedance per SE is very low, less than 1Ω.

 

• Maximum output SE No Load 6dB 01000 ZOut

• Maximum output SE 100Ω 6dB 01000 ZOut

• Output impedance SE

SE No load

2.2V RMS at 0dB. 4.3V RMS at 6dB. Without reaching the maximum 7.3V RMS at 12dB. Without reaching the maximum 7.35V RMS at 18dB.

 

 

SE 15Ω

 

Regardless of the gain settings, the maximum value it can provide for 15Ω is 4.074V RMS, which is 1.11W. And 270mA. A very high value.

 

 

SE 33Ω

 

I haven’t managed to reach 7.2V RMS for 33Ω. It does reach 7V for 1kHz (1.48W), but if you want to find a complete response without distortion across the entire audible range, the voltage is 6.282V RMS, which means a power of 1.2W and 190mA. A little far from those 1.6W but great value for the price.

 

 

SE 100Ω

 

7.333V RMS for 100Ω, 540mW and 74mA.

 

 

Frequency Response

 

As recommended by ifi itself, it is advisable to use the potentiometer above 11 and with a good input value. It can be observed that at low volume the output is less linear and with a slight difference between channels. However, the frequency response is flat across the entire audible range.
XBass+ mode adds 8.5dB at 20Hz and drops very quickly by 2dB at 100Hz, crossing over at 300Hz.
XSpace mode seems to enhance all frequencies, but there is no noticeable change in the linearity of the frequency response.
XBass+ XSpace mode has a very similar FR to XBass+.
Movie mode adds a lighter bass gain and drops earlier, while adding a 4dB peak between 2kHz and 3kHz.
Game mode adds more deep sub-bass and sets a peak of over 7dB between 4kHz and 5kHz.

 

 

Sound

 

I like to use the pure combinations of the devices. And although I have tried the different modes offered by the ZEN CAN 3, to describe the sound I am going to focus on the option that has no filter activated. But first, I will make a few brief comments about each mode. The XBass+ mode is an improvement on the initial version, which is powerful in the sub-bass range, with a very realistic and well-achieved analogue drop, which is perfect for enhancing headphones that have a neutral or weak extreme lower range. The filter is very realistic and does not feel forced or poorly tuned, which can be seen in the FR.
The XSpace filter is more innocuous in terms of FR, but there is a noticeable enhancement in the channel mix and more power across the entire range, offering a feeling of superior expansive force. It is not a filter that offers a drastic change, but it does feel like a more volatile and gaseous scene.
With the Game filter, you can feel that more powerful sub-bass, as well as that pronounced peak between 4kHz and 5kHz, which raises the early treble and sibilance point. I don’t recommend it for music. But it can increase detail by raising those early treble frequencies.
Something similar happens with the Movie filter, but to a lesser extent. The bass remains powerful, but somewhat more restrained, while the peak drops from the early treble to the upper midrange. It tries to gain clarity in the vocals and succeeds. But I still don’t recommend it for music.
I have been using the ZEN CAN 1 as an amplifier for a long time. It was one of the amplifiers I bought because of its great quality/power/price ratio. For this occasion, I connected the ZEN CAN 1 and the ZEN CAN 3 to the Aune X8 XVIII Magic DAC using the Sparkos Labs SS3602 OpAmp. The sound description will be a comparison between both amplifiers v1 and v3.
As is typical of the ifi brand, the sound of both devices is characterised by a marked analogue accent, slightly warm, powerful and realistic. I cannot find any difference in profile between the two devices..
The lower range of both devices is very similar, with powerful analogue bass that is very forceful, heavy, powerful, punchy and deep. Although the difference is subtle, I find that the v3 has a little more weight and emphasis on texture, while the v1 seems somewhat more bland and neutral.
In the very low frequency pure tone test, the performance feels realistic and natural, without altering the idiosyncrasies of the connected headphones, and offering analogue performance that favours dynamic drivers when executing LFOs. There are no noticeable differences between the v1 and v3.
In the dirty, complex, unfiltered bass test, that analogue sense of control prevails, without reducing the texture of the bass. But again, I feel that this texture is richer and juicier in the v3.
The midrange feels rich and lush, with that touch of analogue warmth that enhances the naturalness of more organic compositions, as well as vocals. The v3 knows how to add weight, foundation and physicality to the midrange without sacrificing detail. While it is true that it is not an analytical amplifier, it is capable of displaying a high level of detail, something that improves when paired with headphones that are very capable in this regard, as well as when the DAC offers a high level of resolution, as is the case with the Aune X8 XVIII Magic DAC + OpAmp Sparkos Labs SS3602 pairing. In this respect, the comparison with the v1 creates a little more distance between the two devices. While the v1 feels somewhat more condensed, with a more pronounced and slightly harder level of detail, the v3 offers a higher level of refinement, a greater sense of openness and very well-defined, smooth detail. Without a doubt, the midrange performance becomes more mature, distinguished and select compared to the v1.
The range where I find the most differences between v1 and v3 is in the treble. This is where you can clearly see the change in refinement, quality, smoothness, improved performance and finesse in the notes. The v3 makes the treble sound better, more extended, finer, more refined, sharper, clearer and brighter than in the v1. The v1 places greater emphasis on the initial treble, condensing more power and energy in the initial zone. This makes the treble sound thicker and harder. The v3 manages to extend and balance the upper range by adding a more refined blend of smoothness that shifts the initial energy level and balances it across the treble range. This way, the initial spark is not as strong, but the notes are finer, more delicate, sharper, and the sound is more extended, realistic, natural, more pleasant, and with a more appropriate brightness.
Thanks to its higher refinement, improved treble and bass texture, the v3 gains in depth, expansiveness, separation and detail. The finer, more separated and delicate treble notes offer more defined micro-detail and higher resolution. It also helps to elevate that more vaporous, volatile and gaseous feeling of the scene, but without becoming too detached or out of the head to become unreal. On the contrary, the inherent warmth of the amplifier helps to bring the scene together, offering strength, balance, foundation and physicality to the whole.
Undoubtedly, the differences between the v1 and v3 are not very great, but it can be concluded that the new ZEN CAN 3 has taken a step forward in terms of smoothness, finesse, resolution, refinement and quality compared to version 1. And this is something that is noticeable from the midrange, especially in the treble and technical sections, where the internal improvements of this new version come to the fore, generating a more mature and refined sound.

 

 

Conclusion

 

The first time I bought a headphone amplifier, I was unlucky with my choice. But the second time, I was lucky. On this second occasion, I bought an ifi ZEN CAN, which has been with me for years now. With it, I enjoyed the true power, weight, warmth, and physicality of ifi sound in a small, compact desktop device. As soon as version 3 came out and I read some reviews, I became very interested in it. These reviews pointed to an updated and improved version in terms of power, resolution, refinement and overall sound quality. And that’s how it is. The ifi ZEN CAN 3 improves on the first version, especially from the mids onwards, with finer, more decisive, extended, realistic and balanced highs. Without a doubt, this is a step forward that represents a clear improvement in detail definition, resolution, separation, soundstage and technical aspects of the sound. ifi has also added XBass in its + version, Xpace replaces 3D and adds two additional modes, Game and Movie, as well as a very interesting mode compatible with xMEMS headphones that are yet to be released. All this comes with an improved design of the front panel containing the controls, moving away from the bland appearance of that first version. For the price of 229$, the ifi ZEN CAN 3 is a powerful device with the company’s signature amplification.

 

 

Earphones Used During Analysis

 

• Aune X8 XVIII Magic DAC + OpAmp Sparkos Labs SS3602.
• Tempotec MARCH V.
• LetShuoer DX1.
• LetShuoer Mystic 8.
• LetShuoer Cadenza 4.
• LetShuoer S15.
• 7Hz Timeless II.
• Kiwi Ears Astral.
• Kiwi Ears Aether.
• ZiiGaat Arcanis.
• Kefine Quatio.
• Hidizs MK12 Turris.
• Hidizs MP145 Golden Titanium.
• NiceHCK Himalaya.
• NiceHCK EBX25Ti.
• Simgot SuperMix 4.
• Simgot ET142.
• BQEYZ Frost.
• BQEYZ Autumn.
• Yanyin Canon Pro.
• Apevoix Grit.
• Rose QT9 MK2s.